When is generally a good time to start?

[TOMMY47]

When is a good time to start into Alberta through Banff, Jasper to Alaska next year? I want to miss the snow.

[Uncle_Rj]

Next year might be a good year to get an early start. There is a very strong El Nino brewing which typically means a lot less snow and early spring.

But there's no guarantee about when the weather will change. It is not unusual to have snow in the mountains in June. As long as you have some flexibility, you should be ok.

You shouldn't need reservations in Banff until the end of June unless you are planning to be there on a weekend. The campgrounds will likely be full on weekends from the May long weekend until September.

[Russell_Clifton]

We crossed from Washington into BC on May 1st. of this year. The camping guide we were using, in addition to the Milepost, listed many of the camp grounds opening either May 1st or May 15th. But several we had planned on staying at were still closed when we got there. This resulted in putting us way ahead of schedule as many days we had to drive further to find a suitable campground. Many times we had the whole campground to ourselves.

We woke up to dusting of snow one morning, but for the most part the further north we got, the warmer it got. By the time we arrived in Fairbanks on May 19th,it was in the 80's.

[TOMMY47]

Thanks for the input. I'll probably leave in the middle of May rather than the end. I don't mind snow on the ground or cooler temps, just don't want to drive through it.

[duramaxdelight]

It's best to be prepared fir snow. Mar , April , May, are months we can get huge amounts of the wet heavy snow. In Alberta.

Also, Alberta really can have snow any month of the year. So just be prepared.

Summer months it doesn't last long if we get it.

Enjoy your travels!

[enblethen]

We went to Alaska this May. Left May 13th. Had great weather for the full two months. We Went straight up from Moses Lake, through Kamloops via CAN 5 into Prince George. then Alaska highway.

[rag-ftw]

EsoxLucius wrote:
https://jtappen.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/soaking-it-up-in-banff/

Last time we hit Lake Louise this early it was still frozen solid!!

[EsoxLucius]

https://jtappen.wordpress.com/2014/05/12/soaking-it-up-in-banff/

[PghBob]

We left West. PA June 3. After a few days, we reached Great Falls, MT and had oil service done at the Ford dealer. Later that day, we drove to Shelby MT for the overnight. Up at 7, border at 8 (Sweatgrass/Coutts), we were the only ones there in either direction. The usual 5 or 6 questions, then on our way.

With respect to reservations, we made them in advance because we had time constraints on both ends. We planned the ferry for the return trip from Juneau to Bellingham well in advance (Feb.). Because of the caravans, several of the CGs we stayed at along the Alaska Highway were full. Without reservations, we would have to spend time searching for another place or boondock. Remember that folks up north like to camp as well. So, July 1 is Canada day and many CGs are full. Of course, July 4 will be busy as well. Keep in mind that Banff is the weekend/summer playground for many Calgary residents. As friends in Calgary told us, Banff CGs can fill up quickly, "make reservations".

Best wishes for a great trip. BTW, the other book you are likely looking for is Alaska Camping by the Churchs. Get the latest editions of their book and the milepost in March or April.

[SBradley]

Best to head North middle of May.
Roads are generally better, fewer tourist, camp grounds in Yukon are just opening so no problem camping in Gov. camp grounds. Cassiar may not be open, Dawson Ferry openned last week of May this year. Temps are not usually to bad depending on the yr. mornings can be cold even below freezing but if the sun is shining it warms up quickly. If it is raining or over cast plan on mid to low 50s.

We generally don't fill the water tanks due to the possibility of freezing temps. We carry 2 gallons of RV Anifreeze for the head, bottled water for drinking. You can restock along the way Whitehorse for sure. Usually snow on the Mt., we live in Alaska so driving on snow is not an issue for us. But Black ice in a shaded corner can wake you up.

Have a good trip & drive within your abilities.

[2gypsies1]

We don't do reservations and had no problems getting campsites along the Icefield Parkway and for the whole summer on our trip to Alaska. Jasper has hundreds of them. For Banff if you can time it for early week it would be better.

[stickdog]

We crossed the border at Sweetgrass May 1 this past spring. Strong head winds made us stop for the night at Fort Macleod. Next morning headed for Banff,beautiful weather that day and the next two. We then headed up to Jasper sun shining till we got to the Icefield Parkway then fog, rain and snow all the way to Jasper.
The park we planned to stay at was not open but we found another in Hinton AB. More snow that night a inch or so on the rig but 3-4 north, so we stayed another night. North to Grand Prairie the next morning with light rain on and off.
From there to Alaska it was sunshine all the way.
The one thing we found out going early is that many campgrounds, visitor centers and attractions are not yet open for tourists.

[qtla9111]

We entered BC on May 20th last year. Higher altitudes still had some snow and there were temps below freezing. As we moved across to Alberta and Saskatchewan the temps started creeping up. By August it was getting warm in Ontario. We flew from Ottawa to Halifax for a week and the temps were warm too. It was great. Wish we had more time to do it again. Enjoy your trip.

[explorenorth]

I drove the Icefields Parkway on May 13th 2 years ago - roads were fine and campgrounds were pretty much empty. See my blog post with photos.

[enblethen]

You will getting close to the start of heavy tourist traffic. I would try to get there around Mid May. You should not have any issues of getting campsites with no reservations.